Reported Sexual Assault / spring Semester 2014

Posted by Marjorie Burton

July 29, 2014

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, the Office of Safety and Security is giving notice of safety advice relating to reported incidents.

To: The Oberlin College Community
From: Marjorie Burton, Director of Safety and Security
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2014

The Office of Safety and Security is sharing a report of sexual misconduct that occurred last semester. The reporting person interacted with a student with whom she was acquainted at an off-campus house party where she was supplied, as an underage person, with alcohol. The student reported she became incapacitated, meaning she was unable to consent to subsequent sexual activity. The circumstances have been reported to Oberlin Police for further contact, and the student reported to have been involved, who has since graduated, has been banned from campus. This notice is posted online on Oberlin OnCampus in order to reach campus community members while classes are not in session.

Unwelcome touching, administering intoxicants to cloud judgment, and non-consensual sexual conduct, is considered a violation of both the Oberlin Sexual Misconduct Policy, and a violation of state law. Any Oberlin College community member who finds a specific behavior hostile, offensive, or intimidating; witnesses or is subject to unwanted physical contact of any kind; or is subject to sexual conduct for which consent has not been or cannot be given, can and should report that behavior immediately to Safety and Security for assistance. While not all crimes can be prevented, and the below advice may not be specific for this incident, this communication with the community is to remind each member to take special care for your own safety and for the safety of others, and to be well-acquainted with the requirements of Oberlin’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. Additional recommendations include:

• Make a plan to attend and leave social functions with responsible and trusted friends who share your own values and will not change their plans once in attendance. As support for your community, report situations that pose a risk for persons present.

• Practice effective consent in all sexual interactions by ensuring that all parties are capable of communicating a clear, informed, mutually understood agreement to any sexual activity. Remember that consent may be withdrawn at any time and that incapacitation and coercion negate consent.

• Be aware that alcohol and drugs may compromise one’s ability to recognize whether another person is incapacitated or otherwise unable to provide effective consent. If someone appears to be incapacitated, do not attempt sexual contact with that person. Consent is always required. If you plan to consume alcohol to the point where your judgment about someone else’s ability to consent may be compromised, ask friends to remain with you so that you to not engage in sexual misconduct.

• Do not use drugs or alcohol to loosen another’s inhibitions or as an excuse to rationalize your own abusive behavior toward someone else later. Voluntary intoxication is not an excuse for unacceptable behavior under the law or under College regulations.

• As a bystander, be ready to intervene when it is safe to do so. Observe how others are acting or interacting, and decide if you have a responsibility to provide a safe form of assistance, including reporting concerning behavior to Safety and Security. As support for your community, report situations that may pose a risk for persons present.

• Seek assistance when needed--The College Medical Amnesty Policy allows a student at medical risk to seek medical attention for oneself or another for intoxication or overdose without formal College sanction for illegal use or possession of alcohol or other drugs when College policies have been violated in conjunction with intoxication or overdose.

• When at social functions, do not return to a drink left unattended; do not drink from a community container such as a punch bowl, or accept drinks from individuals you have just met or do not know well.

• Make a plan to attend and leave social functions with responsible and trusted friends who share your own values and will not change their plans once in attendance.

Seek assistance from the Oberlin Police if there is an emergency: Dial 9-1-1, or dial directly 440-774-1061. On campus, Safety and Security can be contacted at 440-775-8911. Contact Safety and Security for a safety escort if you need assistance leaving a social function by calling (440) 775-8444 or Ext. 58444 from on campus. RideLine transportation is available 9 pm to 2 am during the semester by calling 440-775-RIDE. Oberlin College Safety and Security urges anyone who believes they have experienced sexual misconduct to immediately contact local law enforcement. Victims of any form of sexual assault are encouraged to seek support and can obtain information from the Office of Equity Concerns at 440-775-8555, or through the Lorain County Rape Crisis Center at 1-800-888-6161.